Agartala, May 13:
Manik Saha on Wednesday said that he would discuss with Director General of Police Anurag the possibility of reducing the number of vehicles in his security convoy, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reported appeal for more prudent expenditure and fuel conservation.
Speaking to the media at Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport after returning from Guwahati, the Chief Minister said he personally favours the idea of minimizing the size of the convoy, provided there are no security-related concerns.
“If there is no security-related problem, then we have no objection to reducing the number of vehicles, and it should be done as well. I always wanted to use fewer vehicles and security personnel, but the police officials were not allowing it,” the Chief Minister said.
Saha, who also holds the Home portfolio in the state government, said that any decision regarding reduction of convoy vehicles would be taken after discussions with the state police chief and security officials.
The Chief Minister had travelled to Guwahati to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Himanta Biswa Sarma and other ministers on Tuesday.
The discussion on reducing government expenditure comes at a time when several state governments and ministers across the country are considering cost-cutting measures in different sectors, including official travel, security arrangements, and public events.
During his recent visit to Hyderabad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly appealed to citizens to reduce dependence on fuel by opting for public transport, Metro services, carpooling, and electric vehicles. He also encouraged people to prioritize domestic travel over foreign trips amid the ongoing West Asia crisis.
Sources said the Prime Minister has also advocated the inclusion of electric vehicles in his own convoy as part of efforts to reduce India’s fuel expenditure and promote sustainable transportation.
Officials indicated that in the coming days, various ministries and government departments may adopt measures such as carpooling, increased use of electric vehicles, Metro travel, and avoiding extravagant celebrations.
Meanwhile, Rekha Gupta and Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak arrived in Agartala from Guwahati along with the Tripura Chief Minister after attending the Assam oath-taking ceremony.
The leaders were welcomed at the airport by BJP leaders with flower bouquets and traditional Risha before proceeding to the historic Tripura Sundari Temple in Gomati district to offer prayers.
